i have a hard time believing the bible as the word of God. in over two thousand years of being translated and rewritten, through so many stages of society and culture, i look at it as a really long version of the telephone game. alot of the main ideas might be the same, but alot of it might just be someone wanting to throw in their two cents.

im not at all knocking anybody who believes it, im just a bit skeptical of human nature.

I guess we went through some of these discussions in the past and if that risks redundancy, so be it. The bible is really a collection of writings written over a period of a couple of thousand years by hundreds of different authors. If anyone here should perhaps read different portions they will note the many styles and techniques: verse, poetry, prose, narrative, optimism, pessimism, first person, third person, etc.

The "bible" was/is an agreed upon selection/collection of many works by church council. This has changed periodically and so christian sects leave out or leave in what they deem to be the truth depending on their preference.

Those of us that believe know that the Bible is of many authors, however we also believe that they were guided by the hand of God. To me that's a great comfort. Merry Christmas, the Christ Child lives.

Originally posted by Broca:So without proof of the existence of this god these beliefs should be publicly forced on the rest of the population?

No one is publically forced to believe anything, at least in this country. Now Saudi Arabia, that's another story. Or North Korea, uffda, talk about force. But we in this country can believe what we want. BTW, if it's Christmas you don't like then don't exchange gifts, send cards, attend church, or cook a special meal. After all, it's a tad hypocritical to celebrate a holiday you don't believe in.

Now Abraham, he's celebrating the Winter Solstice, as he has a right to do. He's a pagan I wish everyone who doesn't believe in Christmas as a celebration of Christ's birth would volunteer to work that day so that those of us who do believe in Christ could have the day off. Nurses, doctors, cops, firemen, and EMTs have to work their share of holidays, including Christmas, doesn't matter what our religious beliefs are.

Nell

More women die of lung cancer than breast cancer. If you smoke, quit. If you don't, don't start.

Broca, ??? Read my post prior to the one you're commenting on. I'm not judging anyone. In my post that you seem to take offense to, I'm just stating my belief. In no way am I slamming any one who may believe to the contrary.

If you believe in the Zetas, druids, mothers of the unborn parthenogenic turkeys, or whatever else that's out there, that's fine. State your beliefs. It's your right. I just wanted to let folks know where I stand.

Jeff, I agree. I'm always in doubt, and I'm always having fun. Except in most cases it doesn't drive people crazy, they think I'm crazy! I guess I have a crazy sense of humor. Like I'm sure the earth is spinning on it's axis, because I'm always dizzy too. The postings on this topic only substantiate the fact that most should lighten up and have more fun instead of dwelling on such desperate sensitivity. Labeling someone for their choice of salutations is trifling. You can say to me, "Merry Christmas", "Happy Holidays",or "whatever". You can call me anything, but, don't call me late for dinner! And Jeff, "Merry Christmas" and I also wish you, "Happy Holidays"! These same salutations to all of the positive, stable posters. To the rest, "Don't Worry-Be Happy!" "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"